**Holidaymaker’s Tsunami Fears After Earthquake Rocks Crete Resort**
A British holidaymaker has spoken of her terror after being roused from sleep by an earthquake that struck the Greek island of Crete early on Thursday morning. The incident left guests at a luxury hotel shaken both literally and emotionally, with many fearing the possibility of a tsunami in the immediate aftermath.
Claire Gibson, 49, from Pontefract in West Yorkshire, was enjoying a family break in the resort town of Hersonissos when she was startled awake by a violent tremor. The flooring and furniture retail worker described how her mobile phone’s emergency notification system sounded an earthquake alert as the room around her began to tremble.
The US Geological Survey reported that the quake’s epicentre was located offshore, approximately 36 miles north-northeast of Elounda, a town situated along Crete’s northern coastline. The depth of the earthquake was recorded at a significant 43 miles beneath the seabed. Residents and visitors across the Aegean islands reportedly felt the shockwaves, underlining the event’s regional impact.
Describing her ordeal, Mrs Gibson said: “I was woken up unexpectedly by an alert on my phone warning of an earthquake, and then everything in the room started shaking. It was my very first experience of an earthquake and didn’t quite know how to react at first.” She added that her initial thought was of their accommodation’s proximity to the sea, raising immediate concerns about the risk of a tsunami—a fear common amongst those unaccustomed to seismic activity.
She went on to recall, “The whole floor felt as if it was moving beneath us. The wardrobe doors were banging loudly, everything was rattling. It was quite an unnerving experience, especially not knowing if the building would hold up or if there’d be a follow-up aftershock.” Fortunately, Mrs Gibson affirmed, there appeared to be no structural damage to the hotel, and no immediate reports of injuries in the area.
According to experts, Crete and its neighbouring islands have historically been vulnerable to seismic events owing to their position near the complex boundary between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. Authorities continue to urge both residents and tourists to familiarise themselves with safety protocols, particularly as smaller aftershocks are not uncommon following a significant quake.
This tremor, which has captured attention due to its widespread effects, comes just days after another earthquake—measuring 6.3 in magnitude—shook both Crete and the nearby island of Rhodes, raising questions about the ongoing seismic activity in the region. Such occurrences underline both the unpredictable beauty and the challenges of holidaying in tectonically active zones.
Local officials have also praised the effectiveness of the early warning systems in place, crediting them with helping to reduce panic and giving residents and visitors precious moments to seek cover. “These types of alerts can make a crucial difference, especially for those who have never lived through an earthquake before,” said a spokesperson from the local civil protection agency.
Despite the fright, Mrs Gibson and her family were able to continue with their holiday, albeit now with a memorable story to share. She commended the calm response of the hotel staff and their clear communication, which provided some reassurance. “It’s not what you hope for on your family getaway, but it’s definitely something we won’t forget.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder for travellers to remain aware of local emergency procedures when abroad, particularly in regions with a history of seismic activity. As the holiday season continues, officials recommend staying informed through official channels and heeding all advice regarding natural disaster preparedness.